City Guide Filming in West Jordan, UT
Production Permit Fees
- Permit Fee (Special Events Permit Fee): $121
- Student/Non-Commercial Film Permit: $50
- Application Processing Fee: $100
Minimum Insurance
- General Liability: $1 million
- Worker’s Compensation: As per state requirements
- Automobile Liability: $1 million for “owned,” “non-owned,” or “hired”
- Aviation Insurance Coverage: $5 million
- UAS/Drone Insurance: $2 million
Additional Permits
- Police & Firefighter Monitoring: Organized by the Salt Lake City Special Events Office
- Filming Incentives In Utah: Up to 25% cash rebate/tax credit for expenses over $500,000
Discounts
About West Jordan
If you're familiar with the popularity of Salt Lake City among filmmakers, then you'd probably expect the same for West Jordan — and you'd be right! West Jordan is a suburb of Salt Lake City, in the Salt Lake County of Utah, but it has not stayed under the shadow of the city’s cinematic glory and, instead, has made a mark of its own. The city’s history goes back to the 19th century when it was named after the Jordan River, which borders it, and ever since, it has continued to grow and flourish.
As far as the cinematic world is concerned, West Jordan has been featured in major Hollywood films like Falling for Christmas, Killer Karma, 8 Hours, The Invasion, Heber Holiday, The Tomb, Semi-Colon Promise, Bundy Manor, and Basement Landing. It has also been the setting for several episodes of Day Zero: The Series, all shot in 2012. This goes to show that the city not only packs all the resources and ambiance that filmmakers need but also has generally relaxed filming laws. But it still serves to explore the basic filming guidelines in West Jordan to avoid trouble later down the road, and that’s what we’ll be doing here.
Plus, you don’t ever have to worry about finding the best filming venues for rent, both indoor and outdoor locations, in West Jordan and elsewhere when you’ve got Giggster. You can pick from our top entries in the area (and beyond) while enjoying total payment protection and complete transparency.
Now, let’s get into what you need to know about filming here:
Do I Need a Filming Permit in West Jordan?
Yes, as per the filming guidelines in West Jordan, all film productions need to get general filming permits if they’re planning to use city property for their filming or require any assistance from the city departments for their production. This applies even if you’re filming on private property. However, if you're filming on a privately rented venue and don't need any assistance from the city for things like parking or the presence of officials on the filming set, then you only need to get written permission from the property owner for your project as per the terms and conditions for renting the space. Also, if your film project involves special elements like fire-based special effects or avionics, then you'll have to get extra permits to feature those in your film, as they are not covered by general filming permits.
Here are some examples:
A pyrotechnics permit is issued by the local fire department after a careful review of your request to use fire-based special effects, gunfire, fireworks, explosions, and so on, and also obliges you to do the same safely, and usually under guided supervision.
An animal control permit is issued by the local animal control department if you want to have horses, dogs, and other such animals that can cause serious damage to someone or their property; you’ll have to ensure that the said animals are properly restrained and controlled.
An aircraft usage permit is given out by the local aviation authority if the production involves aircraft or helicopters of any sort; you’ll also have to provide additional liability insurance coverage, plus you may have to conduct a local survey if the said aircraft does a low fly-by over a residential area.
A drone filming permit is issued to allow film productions to use camera drones to film their project; additional insurance requirements also apply.
A student/non-commercial filming permit generally costs significantly less than a regular permit and is issued after verification of the production team’s status as “non-commercial” or “student filmmakers.”
Permit Management in West Jordan
Salt Lake City Special Events Office
The Salt Lake City Special Events Office issues filming permits in West Jordan and facilitates film productions in the area. However, filming permits are only issued to productions of more than four crew members – otherwise, permits are not needed, although other restrictions may apply.
So, if you plan on vlogging or creating solo videos in the city, you will not have to get a permit. However, if you need a permit, you can fill in all the relevant information online via the Salt Lake City Special Events Portal, which will connect you with the special events office and let you put in all your information. The portal will also indicate the timeline to process your application. S Send your general film permit application at least a month in advance. If pressed for time, you can contact the special events office if you need a permit urgently — film permits are usually issued within four business days.
The umbrella organization facilitating all filmmakers in the state is the Utah Film Commission, but it does not issue filming permits on its own. However, you can count on them for technical support and special incentives for filmmakers. The film commission also offers location scouting services, on-location support to filmmakers, and other valuable services.
Keep in mind that filing permits are not needed in all cases. If filming on private property, you only need written permission from the property owner. You can also sign an agreement with the property owner if need be. However, if you require assistance from the local departments, submit a permit application, even if filming on private property. In case of any confusion, you can contact the Salt Lake City Special Events Office or check out their online resources for assistance. Also, the special events office will liaise with any departments you need on board with your project, so you will not have to worry about that.
What Insurance Do I Need in West Jordan?
The idea of being insured as a film producer is a simple one. Behind the scenes, any number of things can go wrong. A stunt artist, for instance, may end up injuring themselves severely due to equipment malfunction or the slightest miscalculation on the part of the production team. Even a minor slip and fall can cause serious injuries.
In all such cases, the affected individuals deserve compensation for their losses — but the question is, by whom? If a resident is injured this way, they file such a claim against the local government because it happened in a public space, but when a film production is involved, only the production is held liable for such events. This is why film productions must carry a certain level of insurance coverage. However, there are no fixed production insurance requirements in West Jordan. To give you an idea of what you’re in for, here are the baseline requirements that are typically needed, and you can find out more details from the City Code 3.50.100:
If you can’t meet any of these requirements, you’ll need to explain in writing why you can’t meet the requirement to the Office. They will determine if the shoot can go ahead without the necessary insurance.
Note that these requirements are minimum requirements. Larger and more complex shoots may require additional insurance which will be determined by the Office.
What Kind of Filming Locations Are Available in West Jordan?
Let us move on to some of the filming venue options in West Jordan. The city hosts several indoor and outdoor locales, each more impressive than the last.
Some of our top picks include event spaces such as the Art Studio & Event Rentals, which are colorful, offer perfect contrast, and are thoroughly lit. The Cultivating Yoga Studio Center has a more serene blend of elements, a calm color scheme, ample natural light, and a spacious interior. Another impressive option is the Contemporary and Stylish Studio, which, as the name suggests, is a premium filming venue boasting an ultra-stylish setup and unparalleled class. Another perfect choice is the Fully Renovated 1950s Rambler, which delivers the Americana feeling.
The Food Hall Back Patio is a fine example of an outdoor venue with picture-perfect contrast, optimal lighting – not too much and not too little, and several picture-perfect angles. Finally, the Rooftop Venue also makes it to our top list because it is not merely an outdoor venue featuring excellent city-wide views but also houses a bar — the perfect combination.
As for public spaces, check out Gardner Village, featuring the Gardner Mill, the Jordan River Utah Temple, and the West Jordan Historical Museum.
These spaces are merely the tip of the iceberg; there is much more to explore in West Jordan and Salt Lake City – but you do not have to travel around to scout for the best locations. Giggster has the best deals on the most premium filming locations in town and elsewhere!
Special Requirements in West Jordan
Filming At The Jordan School District
Film productions can get conditional approval for their request to film on the premises of the local Jordan School District.
Here’s what you need to do:
You must reach out to the school board as earlier in advance as possible with your request to film.
Share with them the details of your filming activities (the parts they need to know).
Discuss the gist of the script with the school (they may choose not to allow certain kinds of projects to be filmed on campus).
Discuss the availability of the school premises as per your schedule.
Your best bet would be to schedule your filming during the weekends, holidays, and vacations.
Arrange for $1 million in general liability insurance coverage.
Arrange for additional insurance coverage if the school specifically asks for it.
After approval from the school board, file a permit application with the special events office.
Filming At Neighborhood Parks
You can also film in neighborhood parks such as Plum Creek Park, Veterans Memorial Park, and Colonial Estates Park, all managed by the local Parks and Recreation Department. While you don’t need any special permission to film in these parks, you will have to liaise with the parks department if you need exclusive access and also for cooperation from the department regarding your production activities.
Filming At The Great Salt Lake
The nearby Great Salt Lake is one of the most iconic spots in the county and is visited by people from both the vicinity and tourists from all over. The lake itself is managed by the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire & State Lands, and you're required to get their express permission to film at the lake. You can't pollute the lake or use any elements that may pose that risk. All general rules apply regarding on-site behavior while you’re filming. You'll also have to arrange for liability insurance coverage amounting to $1 million if you wish to get any watercraft involved.
Traffic Control & Restricted Parking Permits
If you need to block certain routes, you’ll have to get a traffic control permit first. The SLC Transportation Department will issue the said permit and a restricted parking permit if you need one. The restricted parking permit requires you to pay based on your usage. You can reach out to the department for information, permit acquisition, and assistance at 801-535-6630
Setting Up A Fire Lane
All film productions operating in the Salt Lake County area are required by law to set up a fire lane on the film set, at least 20 feet wide.
Filming With Camera Drones
If you wish to film with camera drones, you’ll first need a special permit for it from the local aviation authority. You’ll also be required to use the drone responsibly, meaning you can’t intrude on anyone’s property with the drone or violate their right to privacy in any way. You’re also required to submit $2 million in drone liability insurance coverage before you can use the drone. Plus, all FAA regulations concerning the use of UAS or camera drones must be followed.
What Does it Cost to Film in West Jordan?
The fees applicable to film productions, as per the filming regulations in West Jordan, are on top of site rentals and other filming costs. These fees are charged for permit issuance and any city services rendered by the local departments. While some of these fees are disclosed earlier on, others are to be decided later on, individually, for each case. The Salt Lake City Special Events Office will directly charge the following fees:
Additional Fees
The special events office will liaise with any departments whose assistance is needed and then provide you with an “Estimate of Cost Recovery” document or an invoice of the quotes given by those departments for services rendered, such as:
If you feel these fees are excessive, remember you’re getting value for your money here. With the assistance of the local departments, you’ll be able to work without stress. Plus, you can always count on the incentives from the Utah Film Commission.
Geographical Jurisdiction of West Jordan?
The filming laws in West Jordan apply to the 30.9 square miles span of West Jordan, so understanding the extent of the suburb is important. West Jordan is sandwiched between the Oquirrh Mountains and the Jordan River, to the west and the east. The borders of the suburb are marked by Kearns and Taylorsville to the north; South Jordan to the south; Midvale, Sandy, and Murray to the east; Copperton to the west; and finally, West Valley City to the northwest.
Outreach in West Jordan
You are required by the West Jordan filming laws to notify any affected businesses or residents conducting business or living close to where you’re filming and those who might be affected by street closure, noise, and other disruptions. The notification must be sent at least two business days in advance and include your contact information, filming schedule, details of the anticipated filming activities, and information about alternative routes in case of street closure.
Community Management in West Jordan
Overall, the people in West Jordan have been described as friendly and cooperative — the city is also ranked among one of the best places to live in Utah. Plus, since the filming regulations in West Jordan do not require you to conduct local surveys in most cases, you will not have to deal with the locals as much, but your interactions, hopefully, will be positive. Keep the noise down and never intrude on people's privacy, and you should be fine.
Conclusion
A city with a link to the film industry, the perfect ambiance for filming, a ton of different filming locations — indoors and outdoors, and a generally warm and welcoming community; what more can one ask for? The general filming guidelines in West Jordan are straightforward.
West Jordan is an ideal destination to base your next film project. West Jordan houses major companies and houses the iconic South Valley Regional Airport and the Gardner Village, dating back to 1850. But as far as our discussion is concerned, there isn’t anything keeping you from setting out on making the next big thing associated with West Jordan with your cinematic innovation.
When scouting for the best filming destinations in the area, you can always count on Giggster to land you the best deals without leaving the comfort of your home or office.